Related Experiment Video

Updated: Dec 5, 2025

Author Spotlight: Induced Microglia-Like Cell Technology to Shed Light on the Role of Microglial Dysfunction in Neuropsychiatric Disorders
06:12

Author Spotlight: Induced Microglia-Like Cell Technology to Shed Light on the Role of Microglial Dysfunction in Neuropsychiatric Disorders

Published on: September 6, 2024

1.8K

Microglia in depression: current perspectives

Xiaoning Jia1,2, Zhihua Gao3,4,5, Hailan Hu6,7,8,9,10,11

  • 1Department of Psychiatry of First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310003, China.

Science China. Life Sciences
|October 17, 2020
PubMed

Insights

Microglia, the brain's immune cells, are increasingly linked to major depressive disorder (MDD). This review explores how microglia dysfunction contributes to depression and may offer new therapeutic targets.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Immunology
  • Psychiatry

Background:

  • Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a widespread brain disorder affecting multiple cell types.
  • Microglia, the central nervous system's resident immune cells, are implicated in MDD's development and progression.
  • Stress-induced neuroinflammation involves microglia, influencing neuronal and astrocyte function.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the critical role of microglia in the etiology of depression.
  • To explore the dynamic states and abnormalities of microglia in depression.
  • To examine mechanisms linking microglia to depression and the impact of antidepressant therapies.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review focusing on microglia's role in depression.
  • Analysis of correlative and causal evidence for microglial involvement.
  • Discussion of stress sensing and modulation mechanisms by microglia.

Main Results:

  • Microglial abnormalities are increasingly evident in depression.
  • Microglia can modulate neuronal and astrocyte function via inflammatory mediators.
  • Antidepressant therapies may influence microglial activity.

Conclusions:

  • Microglia are key players in the pathophysiology of depression.
  • Understanding microglial roles offers potential for novel depression treatments.
  • Targeting microglia may provide new therapeutic strategies for MDD.
Keywords:
anti-inflammatory cytokineantidepressantdepressionketaminemicrogliamicroglial activationpro-inflammatory cytokine

More Related Videos

Animal Models of Depression - Chronic Despair Model CDM05:47

Animal Models of Depression - Chronic Despair Model CDM

Published on: September 23, 2021

7.9K
Immunofluorescence Staining Using IBA1 and TMEM119 for Microglial Density, Morphology and Peripheral Myeloid Cell Infiltration Analysis in Mouse Brain10:40

Immunofluorescence Staining Using IBA1 and TMEM119 for Microglial Density, Morphology and Peripheral Myeloid Cell Infiltration Analysis in Mouse Brain

Published on: October 27, 2019

34.2K

Related Concept Videos

Depression: Overview01:18

Depression: Overview

Depression is a prevalent mental illness marked by persistent sadness and lack of interest in previously enjoyable activities. It can take several forms, including major depression, persistent depressive disorder, and bipolar I and II disorders. Symptoms range from emotional changes like chronic worry to physical changes like sleep disturbances and suicidal thoughts. From a neurobiological perspective, depression is believed to be triggered by abnormalities in the brain's prefrontal cortex,...
619
Depressive Disorders: Etiology01:27

Depressive Disorders: Etiology

Depressive disorders result from a complex interplay of biological, psychological, and sociocultural factors, each contributing uniquely to the development and persistence of the condition. Understanding these factors provides critical insight into the multifaceted nature of depression.
Biological Factors in Depression
Biological predispositions significantly influence the risk of developing depressive disorders. Genetic studies highlight the role of variations in the serotonin transporter...
320
Long-term Depression01:03

Long-term Depression

Long-term depression, or LTD, is one of the ways by which synaptic plasticity—changes in the strength of chemical synapses—can occur in the brain. LTD is the process of synaptic weakening that occurs over time between pre and postsynaptic neuronal connections. The synaptic weakening of LTD works in opposition to synaptic strengthening by long-term potentiation (LTP) and together are the main mechanisms that underlie learning and memory.
Calcium Ion Concentration Mechanism
If over...
2.8K